Page 87 of A Taste of Grace

I propped the phone on the bed and raised my t-shirt over my abs.

“Slow down,” she said.

I did a quick body roll and lifted the right then the left side of the shirt until she threw several imaginary dollar bills at the screen. I bent over laughing.

“Who’s being silly now?” I finished undressing and settled under the covers on Grace’s side of the bed since her pillows smelled like the lavender oil she put in her hair.

“Seriously, a sister is tired. I forgot how intense it was to be in front of people every day, sharing my thoughts. Marriage and country living have made me even more introverted.”

I chuckled at how quickly Grace transitioned to Farmerton. When we started dating, she often complained about how much she missed working with people every day, but now, she loved being a homebody.

“Don’t get too tired. I want you to speak to the congregation on Sunday.”

Grace pursed her lips.

“And say what?”

“What you should have said on Mother’s Day. You’re my backbone. You pour into me with your presence and kindnessevery day, reminding me to walk in love at all times. Without you, I wouldn’t be a good pastor. It’s time I shared you with my sheep too.”

Grace stared at me before putting her finger to her nose. I thought she was holding in a sneeze until she snuffled and wiped her eyes. She shook her head.

“Caleb Evan Stallings, you never cease to surprise me.”

“Will you do it then?”

“Of course, I will. I promise to make you proud.”

“It’s not about me. Let God use you to share a word with the people. When you said yes to me, you said yes to them too. You arethemother of this church now. Just like you’re a mother to our girls.”

She nodded.

“I’ll drive from the airport and see you there before praise and worship.”

“That sounds like a plan.”

I angled my phone so Grace could see the length of my now naked body.

“Now, it’s time for your bedtime story.” I licked my lips as Grace propped her phone on the bed and lowered the cups of her top.

“Let me get comfortable, daddy.”

With that, I shared a beautiful fairytale of a gorgeous queen named Grace who rocked King Caleb’s kingdom in ways he never imagined.

Testimony

When Caleb toldme he was wearing a navy-blue suit to service Sunday, I coordinated with a navy long-sleeved ruffled bodycon dress. My large Swarovski statement necklace had me looking like the queen that Caleb called me in his naughty bedtime story earlier in the week.

I walked into the sanctuary wearing open-toed iridescent heels that made my calves and thighs pop. I roller set my hair the night before and kept it pin-curled on the early morning flight. It was big and bouncy as I stepped in with my oversized Gucci bag. I spent extra time doing my makeup, making sure it wasn’t tooheavy. I didn’t play when it came to dressing up and showcasing my God-given beauty.

“Good morning, Dr. Toliver. You’re glowing today.” The ushers smiled and scanned my dress with approval.

“Good morning, Brother Stewart, Sister Tammie.”

This morning felt different and lighter as the opening strains of praise and worship began.

Caleb was already in his seat. I stepped in front of him and positioned myself next to him. When he saw me, his eyes widened, giving me the most glowing smile. I set my purse down and reached for him. He picked me up and held me before letting me go and peppering my cheeks and lips with kisses. I couldn’t contain how happy I was to be with him again.

“Welcome home, love.” He spoke the words and lifted my chin with his fingers.

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